LED Lighting 101

Given its increasing popularity over the last decade or so, you may have heard the term “LED lighting” or seen these types of bulbs at the store, but how much do you really know about this innovative type of illumination? As it turns out, there are many features that set LED bulbs apart from traditional options, and you might find that some of these features are downright surprising. In today’s post, we’ll review the benefits of LED lighting and we will also provide answers to some of the most common questions about this modern day marvel in the lighting world.

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LED Lighting FAQs

What is LED Lighting?

The term “LED” is short for light emitting diode, and LED lighting is a type of illumination that converts electricity into light through a process called electroluminescence. LED bulbs are small and operate at a much cooler temperature than traditional incandescent bulbs. This makes LED lighting highly versatile, making it beneficial for a wide variety of residential and commercial applications.

What are the Benefits of LED Lighting?

If you walk through the light bulb aisle of your local hardware or grocery store, you are likely to discover many LED options on the shelf. In fact, there may even be more LED bulbs than other varieties, and that may leave you wondering what makes this type of lighting so popular. There are many benefits of LED lighting, including:

Efficiency. Although LED bulbs cost more than regular light bulbs initially, they quickly make up for the difference. Because LED bulbs consumer 80 to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, they are far more efficient, which translates to lower power costs.

Durability. LED bulbs do not rely on flimsy filaments or on neon gas to provide illumination like incandescent and fluorescent bulbs do. Rather, they rely on a tiny chip encased in an epoxy resin enclosure that withstands vibration, impact, and temperature extremes with ease.

Safety. Because they are so efficient and produce less BTUs than traditional light bulbs, LED bulbs operate at a much cooler temperature. This makes them much more safe to use, especially with small children in the home, as they pose lower burn and fire risks when compared to other bulbs.

Eco-friendly. Fluorescent bulbs use mercury in their operation, and that can be harmful to our environment. Because they contain no toxic chemicals, LED bulbs are much better for our environment. Additionally, they are 100 percent recyclable, which helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint.

No UV emissions. While some bulbs emit infrared light and UV emissions, LED lights produce very little of either of these. This makes them very useful for illuminating objects that are sensitive to heat, as well as for items that are sensitive to UV rays, such as historical documents, artwork, and archaeological relics.

These are just a few of the benefits that LED lighting has over traditional bulbs. To learn more, contact Littman Bros Lighting to talk with one of our design experts. We are well-versed in all matters of modern lighting design, including LED lighting, and we would love to speak with you!

How Long Do LED Bulbs Last?

In addition to being durable, energy-efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly, LED bulbs are known for their long lifespan. Many incandescent bulbs will last for 1,500 hours, and while that may seem like a long time, it doesn’t even begin to compare to the 60,000 hours of illumination that LED bulbs can provide. Depending on how often the bulb is used, this can translate to 30 or more years of illumination before the bulb will need to be replaced. Even compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs can’t compare as LED bulbs have been estimated to last 10 times as long as CFLs.

Do I Have to Have Special Light Fixtures?

We understand if you want to stop reading and run out to the store for new LED bulbs right this minute, however, before you do so, you might want to think about what type of fixture you will be placing the bulb in. Not all light sockets are LED-compatible, and those that are may require bulbs that are rated for enclosed fixtures. If your fixture has less than ½ inch around the circumference of the bulb, you may need a specialty LED bulb to prevent a flickering bulb that doesn’t last as long as it should.

High-Quality LED Fixtures

Are you a Chicago resident who is ready to make the switch to LED lighting? Littman Bros Lighting is here to help you choose the right fixtures for your home, and whether you visit our 10,000 square foot showroom in Schaumburg or your shop our online catalog, you’re sure to find lighting solutions that suit your design preference and your budget. Need help or have questions? Call our lighting experts now at 847-895-5155. We look forward to speaking with you!